NRA: Humbling moment… Meeting MOH winner Sammy L. Davis

The NRA Convention in Nashville is filled with great people and fine role models.

The NRA members are very friendly, kind, and nice as could be.  Some are sickeningly sweet.  Ditto for people working with the public at the Music City Hall.

In nine acres of displays and another several acres of meeting rooms and other displays, there are lots of outstanding people who stand out on their own merits.

I literally ran into probably the most distinguished man I’ve seen this weekend – a man who should serve as a role model for every American male: Sergeant Sammy L. Davis.

Who is Sammy Davis?

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Davis (then Pfc.) distinguished himself during the early morning hours while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base.

At approximately 0200 hours, the fire support base was under heavy enemy mortar attack. Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The attacking enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base.

Detecting a nearby enemy position, Sgt. Davis seized a machinegun and provided covering fire for his gun crew, as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire on the enemy. Despite his efforts, an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit upon the artillery piece.  The resultant blast hurled the gun crew from their weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a foxhole.  He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously.

Ignoring repeated warning to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a shell into the gun. Disregarding a withering hail of enemy fire directed against his position, he aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking Sgt. Davis violently to the ground. Undaunted, he returned to the weapon to fire again when an enemy mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position, injured him painfully.

Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy.

Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sgt. Davis picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep river to rescue 3 wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the 3 wounded men, he stood upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet Cong from advancing.

While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, Sgt. Davis protected the 2 remaining casualties until he could pull them across the river to the fire support base. Though suffering from painful wounds, he refused medical attention, joining another howitzer crew which fired at the large Viet Cong force until it broke contact and fled.

Sgt. Davis’ extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Extraordinary heroism indeed.

Braving withering fire to repel enemy attack.  Rescuing injured comrades and protecting them from further injury despite debilitating injuries of his own.

Ours is a remarkable nation that produces such brave and decent men.